Sweden GPA Conversion: A–F University Scale to US GPA Explained

Quick Answer

Swedish universities use a seven-point A–F goal-related grading scale, where A is the highest grade and E is the minimum passing grade. The official descriptors are: A = Excellent, B = Very Good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, and E = Sufficient. Fx and F are failing grades.

Critical distinction: Sweden has no national grading system — each institution and sometimes each faculty determines its own grading scale. The A–F scale shown below is the most common for individual course grades and international credential conversion, but engineering programs at KTH/Chalmers may use a 3–5 scale, law programs use AB–Ba–B–U, and humanities often use VG–G–U.

Most importantly: Swedish universities do not calculate or use a Grade Point Average (GPA). Degrees do not include an overall or cumulative grade. There is no official Sweden-to-US GPA conversion table published by any government body — each US institution and credential evaluator applies its own conversion method.

Swedish Grading Scale at a Glance

Understanding the Swedish A–F Scale

First, a crucial distinction: Sweden has no national grading system. Higher education institutions may determine which grading system to use, and faculties within a university may use different scales. The A–F scale described below is the most common — used by Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and many Master’s programs — but it is not universal.

The seven-point A–F scale was introduced as part of the Bologna Process to harmonize European higher education. It is a goal-related, criterion-referenced scale, meaning grades are awarded based on how well a student meets the learning objectives stated in the course syllabus — not based on performance relative to other students.

The official descriptors, as used at Stockholm University and many other institutions, are:

Source: Stockholm University grading scale and Uppsala University grading scales. US GPA equivalents are unofficial approximations based on commonly accepted conversion standards — see the sections below for important context.

Important note on Fx: Fx indicates a result that is close to a pass and may be upgraded to a pass through supplementary work (if allowed by the course syllabus). Fx cannot be used as a final grade for courses.

Alternative Grading Scales in Sweden

Because Sweden has no national grading system, you may encounter different scales depending on your university and faculty. Here are the most common alternative scales:

1. Engineering Scale (3–5 / U–3–4–5)

Used at Chalmers University of Technology and some engineering programs at other institutions:

• 5 = Pass with Distinction (equivalent to A/B)
• 4 = Pass with Credit (equivalent to C)
• 3 = Pass (equivalent to D/E)
• U = Fail

2. Law Scale (AB–Ba–B–U)

Used in Master of Laws programs and widely used by law faculties in Sweden:

• AB = Pass with Distinction
• Ba = Pass with Merit
• B = Pass
• U = Fail

3. Traditional Scale (VG–G–U)

The traditional Swedish scale, still common at faculties of Science, Social Science, Humanities, and Theology:

• VG (Väl Godkänd) = Pass with Distinction
• G (Godkänd) = Pass
• U (Underkänd) = Fail

Swedish Grade Lookup Tool

This tool shows your grade’s official Swedish descriptor and an approximate US GPA equivalent based on commonly accepted conversion standards. It does not generate an official GPA — see the sections below on why that number can’t be produced by a simple formula, and how to get an official conversion.

Why There’s No Single “Correct” US GPA Number

1. Sweden Does Not Use GPA at All

Swedish universities do not calculate or use a Grade Point Average (GPA). Degrees do not include an overall or cumulative grade. The Swedish Higher Education Authority (UHR) explicitly states: “No overall grade is awarded for a degree and students are not ranked. For example, Grade Point Average (GPA) and other ranking systems are not used in Sweden.”

2. No Official Sweden-to-US Conversion Authority

There is no official Sweden-to-US GPA formula published by the Swedish government, the US Department of Education, or any bilateral agreement. Lund University explicitly states: “Swedish universities do not calculate or use a Grade Point Average (GPA). … Lund University does not provide official conversions to GPA or to other national grading systems.”

3. Multiple Grading Scales Exist

Because Sweden has no national grading system, different universities and faculties use different scales — A–F, 3–5, VG–G–U, AB–Ba–B–U, and pass/fail. A single transcript may contain courses graded on multiple scales. This makes a universal GPA conversion impossible.

4. Institution-Specific Charts Vary

Some US universities publish their own conversion charts for Swedish grades (see the example below). These are real and usable as reference points, but they apply to that institution’s own grading system — not to every US institution.

A Real US Conversion Example

Some US universities publish their own conversion charts for Swedish grades. Here is one example — a planning reference only, not a universal standard:

Source: GradeAtlas Sweden Grading System and common US admissions practice. This chart applies as a planning reference only — your target university’s admissions or study-abroad office may use a different scale entirely.

How WES Converts Swedish Grades

Most US universities, scholarship programs, and immigration processes that require a numeric GPA from a Swedish transcript point applicants to a NACES-accredited credential evaluation service, most commonly World Education Services (WES). WES evaluates Swedish credentials by converting each grade individually and weighting the results by credit hours (högskolepoäng / ECTS) to produce a final GPA.

How to Report Your Swedish Grades on US Applications

1. Report Your Original Grades First

Don’t self-convert to a 4.0 scale unless the application specifically asks for a US-equivalent GPA. Report your grades exactly as they appear on your transcript — including any multiple grading scales.

2. Include Your Grading Scale Explanation

Swedish transcripts don’t always spell out the scale explicitly for a foreign reader — attach a brief explanation or the Diploma Supplement wherever the application allows supporting documents. Note that Sweden has no national grading system and different scales may apply to different courses.

3. Get a Formal Evaluation If Required

Many US graduate programs and scholarships — including some competitive, merit-based ones — require a WES or equivalent NACES-member evaluation rather than a self-reported conversion. Remember that Swedish universities do not provide official GPA conversions.

4. Don’t Round Up

If your evaluated GPA falls in a range, report the figure your evaluator actually gives you — not the top of the band.

Frequently Asked Questions

Christian Chinonso

Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education, GPA systems, and study-abroad guidance for international students.Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.